CSOs Raise Alarm Over Alleged Erosion of Nigeria’s Territorial Integrity in Cross River ~ Truth Reporters

... demand nullification of the 2008 Map

...give FG 14-day deadline to normalise the situation 

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (CPDN) has raised an alarm over alleged administrative treason and erosion of Nigeria's territorial integrity bordering on massive marginalisation of Cross River State.

Convener of the coalition of the CSOs, Dr Gabriel Nwambu made this disclosure in a press briefing on Monday in Abuja. 

Nwambu in a statement he read on behalf of others entitled: ADMINISTRATIVE TREASON AND THE EROSION OF NIGERIA’S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY—A CLARION CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR CROSS RIVER STATE' he declared that:

 "We're here to address the Nigerian public today on a matter of grave national security: the systematic and illegal manipulation of Nigeria’s internal and international boundaries by corrupt elements within the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

"While historical state creations—such as the emergence of Delta from Bendel and Bayelsa from Rivers—were marked by amicable settlements and shared prosperity, the current situation regarding the Akwa Ibom and Cross River state boundary is a dangerous departure from democratic norms. 

He explained that: "We have uncovered a web of "administrative treason" that threatens to cede Nigerian sovereignty to the Republic of Cameroon for the sake of localized greed.

"The Forgery of the 10th Edition Administrative Map

The 10th Edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria serves as the legally recognized source of truth for the nation and is consistent with the Oil Well Dichotomy Map of 5 July 2004 (Revised Edition). 

"However, we have evidence that between 2004 and 2008, this document was clandestinely distorted five times. Orchestrated by vested interests in Akwa Ibom in collusion with high-ranking officials at the NBC, these changes were made without the knowledge or consent of Cross River State.

" Maritime Blockade: These distortions have effectively "closed" the mouth of the sea at the Calabar Basin, a vital navigational route protected since the 1913 Anglo-German agreement.

"Economic Sabotage: By shifting coordinates on paper, over 76 oil wells belonging to Cross River have been diverted to Akwa Ibom. Today, the Calabar Geological Flank—historically rich with over 1,000 wells—is officially attributed with zero, stripping Cross River of its rightful derivation.

The Cameroon Threat: 780 Hectares at Risk

This is not merely an internal squabble; it is a national security crisis. By "doctoring" the 2008 dichotomy map to maximize oil well attribution for Akwa Ibom, the NBC has inadvertently shifted Nigeria’s international maritime front.

"A Self-Inflicted Wound: If this distorted map is allowed to stand, Nigeria will lose approximately 780 hectares of territorial waters and at least 28 oil wells to the Republic of Cameroon—not because of the ICJ ruling on Bakassi, but because of internal fraud.

"The "New Ogoni Land" Prophecy

We warn the nation today: Cross River State is being positioned to become the "New Ogoni Land." While the revenue is diverted elsewhere, the environmental hazards of exploration—oil spills and gas flaring—do not respect these forged administrative lines. Cross River will bear the ecological brunt of pollution for the next 40 years with zero financial resources to mitigate the damage.

"Our Demands to Mr. President

The CPDN refuses to stand by while civil servants deceive the Commander-in-Chief and compromise the nation’s borders. We hereby call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the following decisive actions:

1. Arrest and Prosecution: Order the DSS and EFCC to immediately arrest and prosecute the retired and serving officials of the National Boundary Commission who orchestrated the 2004–2008 map distortions.

2. Nullification of the 2008 Map: Immediately discard the "Dichotomy Map" of 2008 and revert to the authentic 10th Edition coordinates that recognize Cross River’s littoral status.

3. Reconstitution of the RAMFC Inter-Agency Committee: Replace the current committee with a body that reflects true equity and fairness, ensuring Cross River’s representation.

4. Protect Nigeria’s Waters: Halt any internal demarcation that results in the loss of Nigerian territory to Cameroon.

In his conclusion, Nwambu said: "Nigeria’s boundaries are not for sale. The "Sovereignty of Coordinates" must be upheld to protect our collective future. 

"We give the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address these grievances, failing which the Coalition will mobilize for a sustained civil action to reclaim the stolen heritage of the Cross River people.